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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline JANUARY 15, 2021 | The Indian Eye 21

• Organizing a successful and missionary zeal, incredible re-
huge rally in Washington, D.C. sources, and political wisdom,
to stop Pakistan from getting soon became the founding lead-
advanced military equipment. er of Indian Students Associa-
Patel also became chairman tion. He successfully undertook
of NFIA (1996-98) and made the project of screening Indian
it a truly globally recognized movies at Hoboken which drew
national organization of Indi- a large Indian audience and
an Americans. Patel was part raised over $10,000 for charity.
of the several delegations and This was instrumental in laying
committees and has worked down the Indo-American Com-
towards prospering Indo-U.S. munity Organization to help
relationship, helping President prosper Indo-U.S. relationship
Bill Clinton and Prime Minis- and to galvanize Indian Amer-
ters of India in creating a beau- icans to voice their opinions on
tiful borderless world. Besides various national and interna-
FIA and NFIA, Patel was the tional issues.
chairman of the Gujarati As- We at FIA convey our heart-
sociations of North America felt condolences and prayers
(GANA) and the National Or- to Patel’s family. FIA also ex-
ganization of Indian American presses heartfelt gratitude to
Associations (NOIAA). this successful bid to pass Larry from Association of Indians all the FIA family, supporters,
He also was instrumental in Lee Pressler amendment in the in America, Gujarati Samaj of media, and community leaders
forming the Indian American U.S. Congress in 1990. New York, NFIA, as well as the for their trust and continued
National Foundation (IANF), Patel was known for his Ellis Island Medal of Honor. support to Rameshbhai and
comprising major national or- constant communications with Patel was born in Gamdi, FIA.
ganizations such as NFIA, As- elected officials at all levels, near Anand in Gujarat in1942. We also extend our grat-
sociation of Indians in America as well as his strong represen- He came to the U.S. nearly 53 itude to the Ambassador
(AIA), American Association tation at the Embassy of India years ago to study. It was 1966. Taranjit Singh Sandhu, Consul
of Physicians of Indian Origin in Washington, D.C., and the Patel was enrolled at the Ste- General of India in New York
(AAPI), and the Asian Amer- Consulate General of India in vens Institute of Technology in Sandeep Chakravorty, and all
ican Hotel Owners Association New York, in helping the com- Hoboken, New Jersey, to study other Indian Foreign Service
(AAHOA), among others. He munity at large and expanding polymer science and chemical officers, as well as to all local,

served as the secretary of IANF. the activities under FIA to fo- engineering. and international government
The purpose was to mobilize cus more on the wellbeing of Along with his community officials. We are also thankful
resources to foster friendships the community. service and involvement, Patel for the condolence messages
and charities between the peo- These endeavors have won worked in the forensic investi- from distinguished community
ple of India and the United Patel laurels from many cor- gation division of the NYPD. leaders, performers, and ac-
States and also build an endur- ners of the society. He was honored with the pres- tors, who have been associated
ing partnership between the He is the proud receiving of tigious Ellis Island Medal of with the nonprofit organization
two countries. many national awards in his 45 Honor 2013. during Patel’s tenure.
Patel, a politically shrewd years of illustrious public ser- During his schooling at Ste- As Ramesh Patel would say,
and farsighted leader helped vice which include a N.J. State vens, Patel, a man with vision- we conclude with the same,
Sen. Larry Pressler (R-S.D.) in Senate recognition and awards ary dynamic leadership and Shankar dada ki Jai!

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